Anyone involved in a traffic collision could become seriously injured, but it is vital for bicyclists to understand the unique risks they face on the road. In comparison to those riding in passenger vehicles, those riding a bike have an especially high chance of suffering a devastating injury when a collision occurs.
Not only do these injuries often cause high levels of pain, but many other hardships can arise, such as losing the ability to work, mental trauma, medical costs and other financial hardships. Reviewing statistics on these accidents is crucial for bicyclists as well as drivers.
The prevalence of bicyclist injuries
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that over the course of 2015, nearly 467,000 people suffered injuries in bicycle accidents. Furthermore, the CDC reports that bicyclists have a higher chance of becoming injured when a crash occurs in comparison to motor vehicle occupants, even though bicycle trips only make up for roughly 1% of all road trips in the U.S.
The consequences of bicycle accidents
Bicycle accident injuries can lead to significant medical expenses, lost wages, costs related to rehabilitation and other financial difficulties. Moreover, some victims cannot enjoy the same quality of life, such as those who have to miss out on activities they used to enjoy. Some accidents result in brain damage, leading to memory problems and adversely affecting personal relationships. These are just some of the challenges that bike accident victims sometimes endure in the months and years following an accident.
Motor vehicle collisions occur for various reasons, from drunk driving to speeding, and bicyclists deserve justice when they face these consequences because of a negligent driver.
